Diets for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

This article focuses on providing cavalier King Charles
spaniels the dietary nutrition they need to best prepare them for fighting the
genetic disorders they may be expected to develop.

The quality and types of foods cavaliers
are fed can be very important for their genetic health. Since CKCSs are
pre-disposed to some very serious progressive health conditions --
mitral valve disease being the primary
one -- we believe it is advisable to feed our cavaliers the best diets aimed at
strengthening their hereditary weaknesses, such as their hearts, kidneys, liver,
and blood circulatory system.

For these reasons, in this article, you will find that we
recommend feeding cavaliers home-prepared diets, including raw meat and
vegetables when possible, under the guidance of veterinarians who are
knowledgeable about canine nutrition and, most importantly, are not
biased against home-prepared meals. By preparing your cavaliers' meals yourself,
with proper supplements for heart-health, you can assure that they are
getting the best nutrition possible.

Avoid dry dog food -- kibble -- entirely

If you cannot deal with preparing your
cavaliers' meals from scratch, at the very least we urge you to never
feed
them dry foods, such as extruded pellets called kibble, as any part of their
daily diets. Dry dog foods are particularly inappropriate for our cavaliers, and
all dogs, because dry foods require a high percentage of carbohydrates just to
bind the other ingredients together. The Association of American Feed Control
Officials' (AAFCO) 2010 Pet Food Nutrient Profiles shows that dogs do not
require carbohydrates in their diets, and according to the National
Research Council's Committee on Animal Nutrition 2006 report, "there appears to
be no requirement for carbohydrates provided sufficient protein is given." So
kibble is designed for the convenience of the manufacturer and contrary to the
best health interest of the dog.

Also, commercial dry foods may contain many forms of toxins, including
aflatoxins, heterocyclic amines, acrylamides, and PBDEs (polybrominated
diphenyl ethers), a chemical used as a flame retardant.

So,
if you cannot prepare your dogs' food at home, we recommend that you feed
biologically appropriate commercially-prepared frozen or canned dog foods with ingredients
which are primarily human-grade* real meats,
followed by fresh vegetables. Biologically appropriate dog foods are often rich
in protein or meat-first in their ingredient listings, and low in carbohydrates
or preferably grain-free. Then add to those meals,
cardiac supplements designed to keep the
dogs' hearts strong. Canned foods we like include
Merrick Thanksgiving Day Dinner and
Merrick Cowboy Cookout.

* "Human-grade" means that the
food has been subject to USDA inspections and is deemed edible by humans. It
therefore does not consist of "by-products" from rendering plants, diseased
animals, road kill, or rendered "animal fat".

In
a video primer on how to tell if a particular dog food is wrong for the species,
here is Dr. Karen Becker explaining how to interpret the
ingredients list on a bag of dog food.

Obesity is the most common nutritional disease in dogs and can lead to a
range of illnesses and diseases. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are pre-disposed to obesity, according to evidence garnered in a
1986 veterinary research study of dogs in the United Kingdom and confirmed
more recently in a 2007 report and a
2013 presentation, among several others.

"Another reason for overweight pets is what we feed our pet friends.
Commercial pet food is anywhere between 45 percent to 65 percent
carbohydrates (grains). Grains are the least expensive part of pet food and
can fill the animal
quickly. Dogs and cats are more carnivores than we
humans are, and we are feeding them almost as much grain (or more) than we
humans eat. I feel that this high carbohydrate commercial pet food is the
worst food we can feed our pet friends. Our pet friends need fresh meats,
not dehydrated meat by-products. I also feel vegetables are an excellent
source of fiber and moisture as well as sources of natural vitamins and
minerals for our pet friends.

"I feel most commercial foods use poor quality proteins, and
destroy even those with high temperature cooking."

Canine obesity commonly is measured by a scaling system called Body Condition
Scoring (BCS). BCS is used to evaluate the relative proportions of animal fat,
called adiposity, at specific body locations and compare those to a lean
musculoskeletal system. The 5-point BCS scale ranges from 1 point (emaciated) to
5 points (obese), as follows:

There are advantages and disadvantages to feeding cavaliers home-prepared
meals. The advantages include being able to feed the best foods and supplements
for the particular health needs of the dogs. For example, nearly all CKCSs may
be expected to develop mitral valve disease (MVD). Home-prepared meals can be
tailored to provide ingredients which help strengthen the heart, kidneys, and
liver to enable the dog to better compensate for the damage which MVD can cause.
The less processed a dog food is, the easier it is for the dog to digest it, and
the more dehydrated a food is -- such as dry food -- the more stressful it is
upon the dog's kidneys and liver to assimilate it. Also, by selecting the
ingredients -- particularly organic ones -- of your dog's diet, you can avoid
the genetically modified foods (GMO, for Genetically Modified Organism) that compose substantially all of
commercial dog foods. By feeding kibble, we are allowing our dogs to be "lab
rats" for these under-tested grains known to cause cancers in the real lab rats.

Disadvantages to home-prepared foods include the risk of not offering well-balanced meals
with proper supplements. That is why it is important that any home made diets be
reviewed by nutrition specialists, such as well-qualified holistic
veterinarians. Home-prepared foods also can be time-consuming to prepare, and the
ingredients can be more expensive than commercially-prepared foods.

If you are a cavalier owner who may be interested in feeding your dog
home-prepared meals, whether cooked or raw foods, we strongly recommend that you
begin by researching recipes in books on the subject, such as:

If, after doing your research, you are determined to feed your cavalier
a homemade diet, then, before you prepare that first meal, be sure to consult
with a well-qualified, licensed veterinarian who practices holistic care, or a
veterinary nutritionist*, to develop recipes which are both well-balanced and
suitable for the health needs of your cavalier. A list of holistic veterinarians
may be found
here. A list of board certified veterinary nutritionists may
be found here.

* Most "board
certified veterinary nutritionists" appear to be irrationally biased against
feeding raw food diets to dogs, so care must be taken when consulting with any
of them, that you are being given objective advice which does not sound like it
is being given by kibble-peddling marketeers for pet food manufacturers which
fund most all research conducted by veterinary nutritionists.

Another option is to contact Monica Segal
(above left), a certified animal health nutrition consultant and author, who
also happens to own cavaliers herself. She moderates the
Yahoo!
Group K9Kitchen and has
an interactive website
for providing nutritional advice on home-prepared diets for your dogs and other
pets.

"Keep in mind that just because nutritional deficiencies
aren’t obvious in your pet doesn’t mean they don’t exist. A considerable amount
of research has gone into determining what nutrients dogs and cats need to
survive. At a minimum, you do a disservice to your pet by taking a casual
approach to insuring he receives all the nutrients he requires for good health.
The kitten who is the subject of this article is a good example of a pet whose
breeder meant well and didn’t see any immediate damage to the animal, yet the
kitten became acutely ill on the raw chicken-only diet.

"If you’re preparing homemade food for your pet, I can’t
emphasize enough the importance of insuring the diet you feed is nutritionally
balanced. It doesn't matter whose recipe you follow, but it does matter that
it's balanced."

Dr. Sean Delaney(left), a board certified veterinary nutritionist,
provides a list of his pros and cons about feeding home-prepared diets:

"Homemade recipes have several advantages over commercial
food, but they also have several disadvantages. (In general, this author
recommends commercial foods as a first method of feeding pets.)

• Generally more expensive
• Can be time consuming to make
• Food data may not match food used
• Experimental, no feeding trials
• “Diet drift” – client changes recipe

"Homemade recipes can be successfully used for pets, but
there are many nutritional issues that the client and veterinarian must be aware
of. Recipe evaluation with clinical nutrition software and/or a board certified
veterinary nutritionist is recommended as are frequent health checks to ensure
appropriate performance of the diet and client compliance with the specific
recipe(s)."

• For added protection, kitchen sanitizers should be used on
cutting boards and counter tops periodically. A sanitizing solution can be made
by mixing one teaspoon of chlorine bleach to one quart of water.
• If you use plastic or other non-porous cutting boards, run them through the
dishwasher after each use."

There are many well-qualified holistic veterinarians who specialize in canine
dietary nutrition. See their search webpage
here. But there are very few board certified veterinary
nutritionists in the United States and Canada -- only about 77 by our last count
(see list
here) -- and
few, if any, may be supportive of home-prepared
meals comprised of human-grade ingredients. For most of these nutritionists, objective advice about
non-commercial
diets is not their forte. Many of them are willing tools of the commercial dog
food manufacturers. Just read their website's
Frequently Asked
Questions section and find out for yourself.*

* For example,
the FAQ page includes this obviously false statement: "At this time, the vast
majority of purported benefits of feeding raw foods remain unproven, while the
risks and consequences have been documented."

"Some recipes call for the use of raw ingredients. Raw
ingredients often contain bacteria that would normally be destroyed by cooking
(see Chapter 2, Food Safety). The practice of feeding uncooked diets should be
discouraged."

Thus, as far as Dr. Schenck is concerned, the case for a raw diet is closed.
Her logic is that (a) raw food may contain bacteria; therefore (b) owners should
not feed any raw food to their pets. So, clearly to the those interested in
feeding raw food diets, her book would be a waste of money.
It is very unfortunate that as late as 2010, veterinary nutritionists such as
Dr. Schenck can be so ignorant and closed-minded about raw diets.

A predictable argument these anti-raw-diet nutritionists
raise, as Dr. Schenck makes above, is that uncooked food is a health hazard. It
is as if these "experts" are unaware that pet owners would actually handle
uncooked food on a daily basis even if they had no pets at all. Further, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration found in 2012 that outbreaks of
Salmonella infections in humans have been linked to commercial dry dog
foods.* In the four month period from April through
July 2012, over sixty commercial brands of dog and cat food were
recalled, nearly all for "possible Salmonella contamination".

An extreme example of bias against homemade raw food diets is veterinary
nutritionist Dr. Sherry Lynn Sanderson (right) of the University of
Georgia veterinary college. In her un-referenced 2009 paper,
"Raw Diets: Do They Make You Want To BARF?" -- a clever-by-half
title by which she sophomorically conveys her bias -- she tosses objectivity
aside and ridicules, as misguided simpletons, dog owners who feed raw food to
their pets. This paper is such an unscientific attack that it could make you
wonder if grants from dog food companies could be her department's only source
of research funding.*

* "Hill's [Pet
Nutrition, the maker of Science Diet kibble] provides financial and educational
support to nearly every veterinary college in North America, as well as to
veterinary students attending those institutions. This commitment to the
profession includes Hill's sponsored teaching programs, residencies and faculty
programs in veterinary schools and teaching hospitals all over the world." DVM
Newsmagazine. Aug. 2004;35(8):38.

For example, in her paper she denies that the high intensity
pressure process (HPP) of turning raw
food into dry kibble can destroy the nutritional value of the food.
Side-stepping the vast evidence that it does*, she defends the commercial dog
food companies by stating that "It is well known that antioxidants are more
available in cooked foods, such as tomatoes or carrots, compared to the same
foods that are uncooked." When was the last time you saw tomato or carrot listed
among the top ingredients of typical dog kibble?

* See
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/choosing-dog-food/high-pressure-processing-raw-dog-food/
(""Proteins are denatured. High levels of pressure, such as those used in the
HPP process, have been shown to result in the denaturation of proteins.
Beneficial bacteria are destroyed. Unfortunately, the HPP process doesn’t
differentiate between disease-causing and beneficial bacteria. Risk of
recontamination remains. Most (if not all) pet food recalls are due to
recontamination — meaning the bacterial contamination occurs sometime after
processing. HPP will destroy bacteria present in the food prior to processing
but cannot protect the food against recontamination after processing."
And, also, see:
http://rawfed.com/myths/cookedfood.html
Most dry dog foods are cooked twice: once
when the protein is dehydrated and processed into meal), and a second time when the mixture is
extruded to form bite-sized kibble. This extreme processing also changes the
structure of proteins and destroys vitamin A, vitamin E and the B-group
vitamins. The lack of natural moisture in dry food requires the dog’s body
to provide sufficient moisture to reconstitute the food in the digestive tract.
This unnaturally stresses the kidneys, liver, and metabolic system.
Click here for citation.

Dr. Sanderson's fervent defense of the over-use of corn as a main ingredient
in many commercial foods demonstrates how little scientific evidence she has to
work with. She writes:

"If one considers that corn was a main staple in the diet
of Native Americans* for many years, it is difficult to understand how critics
can claim that corn is a filler used in pet foods."

Her point? She offers no clue.
Chickens eat more corn than the American Indian ever did, but neither humans nor
fowl are dogs. Corn is not a natural source of food for dogs, is very difficult
for them to digest and assimilate, and is of little nutritional value to them.
In the short digestive systems of dogs (and cats), plant proteins are far less
digestible than meat proteins. Dr. Sanderson ignores the well established, scientific fact that canines need a
lot less grains and a lot more meat protein than humans do. Most importantly for
dogs with heart issues, grain-based, non-meat diets have shown to result in an
L-carnitine deficiency.

* Dr.
Sanderson's un-documented statement that American Indians subsisted mainly on
corn demonstrates ignorant stereotyping. This type of claim is evidence that
board certified veterinary nutritionists are biased (Who seriously believes that
corn is a better protein for dogs than meat?) and that these "specialists"
really have nothing of value to offer dog owners concerned about healthful
nutrition for their pets. Their "professional opinions" may border on
malpractice.

Dr. Sanderson concludes her attack by confidently stating: "There is no
scientific evidence that raw diets are superior to any commercial canned or dry
diets. In contrast, the literature is full of decades worth of research
supporting the health benefits of commercial pet foods." That simply proves the
point that nearly all research into dog foods is funded by commercial pet food
companies, and that objectivity in this area of veterinary research loses to
those who issue the grants.

And, Dr. Sanderson is not unique. Another board certified veterinary
nutritionist, Dr. Lisa M. Freeman (right) of Tufts University's
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, also sings the praises of commercial dry
dog foods in which corn and soybeans are the major sources of protein, instead
of real meat. She writes in
"Answering
Owners' Questions About Pet Foods" (as if she actually is trying to be
helpful to those owners), this incredible statement:

"Some owners are concerned about using diets that contain any
vegetable-based proteins, such as soybean or corn. These are NOT added as
fillers and contain important nutrients. There is no reason why 'grain free'
foods are better for either dogs or cats."

Dr. Freeman is so in the tank* with
commercial kibble brands and against
homemade and raw diets that she has convinced her veterinary school, Tufts
University's Cummings School, to
ban raw food from its small animal hospital, using the scare tactic of "for
safety reasons".

* Note that her ban
notice is sponsored by one of the major manufacturers of commercial
kibble dog food.

Another
example of the alternate universe of veterinary nutritionists is Dr.
Joseph J. Wakshlag (left) of Cornell University's College of Veterinary
Medicine, who absurdly said in an interview about dog food that: "... often by-product is as good, maybe even a better source
of over-all nutrition ... better off eating by-product than chicken breast."

Elsewhere, he also wrote: "My preferred method of feeding presently is kibble."
The ignorance about canine nutrition in that one sentence is breath-taking, but
it neatly summarizes the mindset of most veterinary nutritionists.

To the contrary of all this pro-kibble hype from these so-called "nutritionists",
research studies that have not been funded by commercial pet fund manufacturers
have reached the opposite -- and more obvious -- conclusion that balanced
home-prepared meals are much more healthful for our dogs than commercial diets
prepared by pet food conglomerates. For example, in
a
2003 Belgium study of 522 dogs, the researchers found that dogs fed a
species-appropriate homemade diet lived 32 months longer on average than dogs
fed commercially available dog foods.

In
2006, another rare insightful
research article on this topic focused on what motivates cat owners to feed
their cats vegetarian diets. The conclusion reached was, "Vegetarian diets are
fed to cats primarily for ethical considerations." In other words, cat owners do
not feed their cats meat because those owners (or more likely, their veterinarians) have an emotional aversion to
either killing livestock or to eating meat
themselves. Perhaps this sort of personal psychological analysis would explain the
absurdly irrational advice of veterinary nutritionists that corn, grains, and
by-product kibble diets are better for our carnivorous dogs than real meat.*

On August 3, 2012*, the American Veterinary Medical Assn. (AVMA) voted
overwhelmingly to condemn the feeding of human-grade raw diets to dogs and cats. Not
surprisingly, the AVMA's meeting was heavily funded by Hill's and by Purina, two
producers of junk dog food. So, if you are serious about developing a homemade diet and seek the advice
of a dietary specialist, be very careful if you decide to ask a veterinary
nutritionist for that advice. Most holistic veterinarians will have a much more
receptive attitude towards your request.

* According to
the AVMA website, in just the four months preceding this AVMA vote, over 60
commercial brands of dog and cat food were recalled, nearly all for "possible
Salmonella contamination". Despite these massive recalls of kibble and canned
pet foods, AVMA chose to condemn only pet owners for feeding healthful,
human-grade raw food
diets to their dogs and cats. Pet owners have been feeding raw diets to their
dogs and cats for decades, yet to date, not one documented case of raw pet food
causing illness in humans has been reported.

However,
even a board certified veterinary nutritionist occasionally will let a nugget of
"raw" truth filter through. Dr. Jennifer Larsen(right)
at the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital,
stated in August 2012 that:

"Raw diets are very popular and have their advantages and
disadvantages, she said. They are palatable, highly digestible, the owner can
control the ingredients, and the high fat content supports a nice skin and coat.
Disadvantages are questionable nutritional adequacy and food safety."

We do not dispute that raw diets, or all
home-prepared meals, should be properly balanced. And, as with any
home-prepared foods, for humans and pets alike, hygiene rules should be
followed. But speaking of diets being properly balanced, in a
June 2013 report examining 129 dog food recipes prepared by
veterinarians (!), only 8 of them -- just 6.2% -- met at least one of three
essential nutrient guidelines. The results confirm that most veterinarians have
been ill-trained in companion animal nutrition.

•
Flavonex,
a salvia and gingko extract herbal supplement made by Health Concern.

• Natural supplements which may help to strengthen and
energize the heart of a dog with severe MVD include D-Ribose
(Corvalen
Ribose or
Pure Encapsulations Ribose),
also known as alpha-D-ribofuranoside, which reportedly
improves ventilatory efficiency in patients with congestive heart failure
(CHF). See 2009 report. It also
reportedly boosts the energy level of heart muscle cells, improving
cardiovascular function and the flow of blood.

Holistic supplements should be taken only if prescribed by a licensed
veterinarian who also is holistically trained. Search webpages for
finding holistic veterinarians in the United States are located here
and here.

Dirlotapide (Slentrol) -- see
2007 study -- is a diet drug approved by the FDA for canines that are at
least 20% overweight. It is a selective microsomal triglyceride transfer protein
inhibitor, which blocks the assembly and release of lipoproteins into the
bloodstream. The drug induces the dog to eat less, because it causes reduces fat
absorption and sends a signal from lipid-filled cells lining the intestine that
the dog's appetite is satisfied.

After the dog has reached its goal weight, the drug's manufacturer,
Pfizer
Animal Health, recommends continued use for up to three more months, while
appropriate levels of food intake and physical activity are determined to
maintain the dog's optimal weight.

Adverse reactions associated with this treatment include vomiting, loose
stools, diarrhea, and lethargy. It should not be prescribed for dogs with liver
disease or in dogs receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy.

September 2014:Only 60% of tested commercial pet foods correctly identify meat
ingredients. Pork is the most frequent hidden
ingredient. In an
April 2015 study of 52 commercial pet foods, only 31 of them
correctly identified the meat ingredients. 31% of the foods contained
meat species not included on the product label. Pork was the most common
meat not identified on the ingredients lists. In the Chapman University
study, DNA was extracted from each product and tested for the presence
of eight meat species: beef, goat, lamb, chicken, goose, turkey, pork,
and horse.

September 2014:Survey of 2,000+ breeders shows half (wisely) do not trust veterinarians for
nutrition advice. In a
September 2014 study surveying 2,067
dog breeders in the USA and Canada, researchers Kevin M. Connolly,
Cailin R. Heinze, and Lisa M. Freeman found that 49.3% do not consult
veterinarians for advice in feeding their dogs. Breeders feeding
home-prepared diets were particularly distrustful of vets' advice. The
researchers should not be surprised by the results. Why should they
expect breeders to seek helpful, objective nutrition advice from vets
who litter their waiting rooms with bags of kibble they are trying to
sell to their patients' owners?

The researchers
report that "Unsubstantiated health and marketing information influenced
diet selection of many breeders." This indicates the researchers'
predictable bias against healthful raw food and home-prepared diets.
The study concluded that the solution is for vets to take "a more
proactive role in directing dog breeders and other pet owners toward
scientifically substantiated sources of diet information", meaning to
steer breeders away from home-prepared diets and towards the commercial
dog foods which finance and control the biased research into canine
nutrition.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
This study confirms that veterinary
nutritionists cannot be trusted as objective scientific researchers.
Their goal here clearly was to advance the indoctrination of dog owners
about feeding dog foods which their commercial dog food sponsors
manufacture. The researchers of this study all are at Tufts
University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, a school
notoriously underwritten by low quality dog food companies such as
Hill's. For example, researcher Dr. Lisa M. Freeman, as noted above,
irresponsibly has advocated
commercial dry dog foods in which corn and soybeans are the major
sources of protein, instead of real meat, insisting that they are not
fillers and that "there is no reason why 'grain free' foods are better
for either dogs or cats."

April 2014:New dog genome research debunks evolutionist theory that dogs have
adapted tocarbohydrates. In a
January 2014 report by an international team of genetic researchers,
and in a
May 2014 article reviewing the January study and two previous
studies published in 2013 (see
March 2013 report), the researchers and reviewer conclude that
there is insufficient evidence to support the previous papers'
conclusion that post-domestication selection of dogs from wolves by
mankind had changed the dogs' genes into carbohydrate cravers. Canine
nutritionists have argued, without solid evidence, that dogs have
evolved from carnivores to omnivores as a result of their companionship
with humans over thousands of years. The most recent study, which
examined a much greater number of wolf and dog genomes, is substantially
more comprehensive than previous ones, and indicates that the number of
amylase genes were not fixed or stable across diverse wolf and dog
genomes, and that no consistent pattern for dietary evolution exists at
all.

February 2014: Pet food specialist links dry kibble to increase
in pets' cancer. In a
December 2013 article in Food Safety News, Barbara Royal, D.V.M.,
of The Royal Treatment Veterinary Center in Chicago, is concerned about how dry
kibble is processed:

“The extrusion process (a high heat processing), creates two potent
carcinogens, a heterocyclic amine and an acrylamide, which will be in every
extruded kibble food, but certainly not be on the label. It is a byproduct
of the extrusion process, and because it is not an ingredient that is
added, it need not be put on the label,” she explains.

“So owners are unaware that, with every bite, they are
feeding a potent carcinogen. I believe that this is one reason we are seeing
such an increase in cancers in our pets.”

December 2013:Obesity
negatively affects dogs' cardiopulmonary function, study confirms.
In a December
2013 report, an international team of veterinary researchers (Australia,
Belgium, and Italy) confirms what long has been suspected, that obesity in dogs
significantly harms cardiopulmonary function, including heart
rate and blood oxygen saturation. The study included twelve overweight dogs,
including one cavalier King Charles spaniel and six lab Beagles. They concluded:

"Therefore, results of the present study allow us to strongly
recommend owners of obese dogs to target an ideal BW [body weight of] BCS 5/9*
for their dogs."

December 2013:Wild-eyed hysteria reigns among veterinary nutritionists over feeding
healthful raw diets. In a
December 2013 JAVMA screed in which they admit a total
lack of any substantive factual research, "board certified veterinary
nutritionists" Lisa M. Freeman, Marjorie L. Chandler, Beth A. Hamper, and Lisa P. Weeth, all ardent first defenders of their
programs' big money financiers -- the crappy kibble manufacturers like Hill's and Purina --
parade out a list of "potential" horrible consequences of daring to feed our
dogs a healthful diet of home-prepared raw meats and vegetables. They also warn
veterinarians to "counsel" raw-feeding pet owners on the "risks" (which they
admit they do not know).

So, we may expect these baseless scare tactics to spread
exponentially each time we take our dogs to gullible vets who chose not to do
their own research about the extraordinary health advantages of feeding properly
balanced, home-prepared diets of fresh meats and vegetables. The Bottom Line: do
not count on these so-called "board certified veterinary nutritionists" for
knowledgeable, objective advice about formulating well balanced raw diets for
your dogs.

October
2013:Obese dogs exercise less! SHAZAM!
In an
October 2013 study of 39 dogs, the researchers reached the totally
unsurprising "preliminary" conclusion that "obesity is associated with lower
vigorous intensity physical activity". This comes on the heels of the
April 2012 study finding that dogs' weight gain is
tied to their quantity of food intake, and the June 2012
study finding that the quality of life is reduced in obese dogs, but
improves after weight loss.

September
2013:Dry dog food manufacturers continue to lie about ingredients in their
prescription allergen diets. In a
May 2013 study of twelve dry (kibble) dog foods especially marketed for dogs
with food allergies, an Italian research team found that ten of the kibbles
(83.33%) contained protein and/or fat sources not disclosed in the ingredients
lists. While the report does not disclose the names of the manufacturers or the
brands of the kibbles, the researchers state that they came from five
international dog food companies and consisted of eleven novel protein diets and
one hydrolysed diet.

Examples of false advertising included two advertised as
containing only duck but were contaminated with fish and mammal proteins; two
advertised as containing only rabbit but were contaminated with bird and fish;
one advertised as containing only deer but was contaminated with bird and fish
proteins; and one advertised as containing only lamb but was contaminated with
bird proteins.

The researchers conclude:

"The discovery that commercial limited antigen diets
contained ingredients not declared on the label is discouraging because feeding
an actually food-hypersensitive dog a product unpredictably contaminated with a
potentially allergenic protein may preclude significant remission of symptoms
and mislead the clinician in diagnosing AFR. The observation that more than 80%
of the selected diets were contaminated signifies that the risk of a dog failing
to recover during the dietary elimination trial is high, and this raises
questions regarding the diagnostic validity of the products used. ... The
results of our study suggest that feeding dogs commercial limited antigen diets
may not prevent them from ingesting potential allergens. ...

"In conclusion, the use of ten of twelve pet foods tested
herein as limited antigen diets may not reliably rule out a diagnosis of AFR,
and the use of home-cooked diets should be considered whenever the dog fails to
respond to dietary restriction."

This very disturbing report is consistent with a similar
study published in August 2012 in which was found that ten of twenty-one
commercial dog foods had falsified their ingredients. See a summary of that
2012
report here.

August 2012:10 of
21 tested commercial dog foods falsified their ingredients. In
an August 2012 report, ten of twenty-one
tested commercial dog foods either contained ingredients specifically excluded on the
label or did not contain ingredients specifically advertised on the label. For
instance, a food labeled as containing venison instead contained beef and pork
and no venison or deer meat at all; a food labeled "lamb" contained pork instead
of lamb; a food labeled "chicken meal" contained pork instead. Foods labeled "no
gluten" or "grain-free" in fact contained gluten and grain levels four times
higher than allowable amounts. Commercial pet food companies are notorious for
switching main, advertised ingredients, depending upon costs of those
ingredients. This August 2012 report clearly substantiates that fact.

August 2012:Netherlands'obesity in show dogs study finds
cavaliers in the 4 to 5 "ideal" range of the 9-point BCS. In
an August 2012 Netherlands study of 1,379
show dogs (128 breeds), including 18 CKCSs, the cavaliers averaged a 9-point
Body Condition Score of 4.67, which
puts them squarely in the middle of the "ideal" range of 4 to 5. The 18
cavaliers were scored between 3 and 6. Overall,18.6% of the show dogs had a BCS
>5, and 1.1% of the show dogs had a BCS>7.

June
2012: Royal Veterinary College (RVC) conducts study of the influence of
diet on improving seizure control. The RVC is working with a small
animal health and wellness company to confirm the efficacy and
safety of a novel diet in the management of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy being
treated with phenobarbitone and/or potassium bromide. To confirm the efficacy of
this new diet, RVC seeks to recruit dogs which are suspected of having
idiopathic epilepsy, with these qualifications: (a) dogs which have a seizure
frequency of at least three seizures in the last three months; and (b) dogs
receiving phenobarbitone and/or potassium bromide treatment. For more
information, contact RVC by
clicking here, and/or
downloading this brochure.

June 2012:Another duh! UK
research paper title says it all: "Quality of life is reduced in
obese dogs but
improves after successful weight loss."
See summary of the report here in the Veterinary Journal, again.

April
2012:Well, duh!UK study concludes dogs' weight
gain is tied to quantity of food intake. A team of UK veterinary
dieticians with nothing more pressing to do, spent 4.5 years studying the diets
of 33 dogs and found that limiting weight gain was directly related to limiting
food intake. See the summary of this report
in the Veterinary Journal.

February 2011:
Four out of four venison diet dog foods also contained common pet food proteins.
In a US diet study report,
manufacturers of four (out of four tested) commercial dog foods that claim to
contain only venison as a protein really included other common pet food
proteins.

"Interestingly, asymptomatic dogs fed a 'heart diet' had a
reduction in heart size. The 'heart diet' included decrease sodium, increased
levels of arginine, carnitine and taurine as well as supplementation with omega
3 fatty acids. Whether this translates into a delay before heart failure
develops remains to be proven."

The Heart Diet was reported in a 2006 article
by Drs. Lisa M. Freeman (board certified veterinary
nutritionist) and John E. Rush (board certified veterinary
cardiologist), and by Peter J. Markwell (senior veterinary
nutritionist at a UK dog food company). They fed "a moderately reduced sodium
diet enriched with antioxidants, n-3 fatty acids, taurine, carnitine, and
arginine" for four weeks to fourteen dogs, including cavaliers, with
asymptomatic mitral valve disease. Another fifteen asymptomatic dogs, including
cavaliers, were fed a placebo. They found that the dogs on the heart diet had
measurable reductions in heart size, including the left-atrial dimension and
left-ventricular internal dimension.

A downside of this 2006 study was that, as might have been expected when
veterinary nutritionists are involved in the research, the food fed in both
diets consisted of "commercial, extruded, dry dog foods", i.e., kibble. Another
downside, as expected, is that the study was funded by Mr. Markwell's employer,
a kibble manufacturer.

November
2007: The Satiety
Control diet, a diet both high in protein and fiber reportedly was most
effective in satisfying appetite and thereby reducing the dog's inclination to
begging and scavenging. The diet was developed by a team of veterinarians at the
University of Liverpool's Small Animal Teaching Hospital, and the Royal Canine
Research Centre in France, which studied various diets for satiety,
digestibility and palatability. Read portions of
their report here.

August
2007:In astudysponsored by Pfizer, Inc.,
the manufacturer of dirlotapide (Slentrol), a weight-loss product for overweight
canines, the researchers found that "dirlotapide ... was effective in reducing
body weight in client-owned overweight dogs in the absence of dietary
restriction or increased exercise. Dirlotapide treatment was found to be
clinically safe, and although emesis and diarrhea occurred in a few dogs, all
cases resolved spontaneously." Of the 245 dogs involved in the study, 5%
were CKSCs.

Obesity in pet dogs. E. Mason.
J.Vet.Rec. 1970;86:612-616. Quote: "In a survey of 1000 dogs over one year of
age attending as outpatients in a hospital clinic, 28% were obese. The incidence
of obesity was higher in females (32%) than in males (23%). In both sexes the
incidence increased as the dogs approached middle age, from 12 to 34% in males
and from 21 to 41% in females. Incidence differed among breeds. Dogs given
proprietary dog biscuits or meal as part of their diet showed a higher incidence
of obesity than those which were not. Dogs getting table scraps or other
home-prepared food as the main part of their food showed a higher incidence of
obesity than those fed on proprietary canned dog meat. The incidence was higher
(44%) among dogs owned by obese people than among dogs owned by people of normal
physique (25%) and was higher (34 to 37%) among dogs of people in middle and
elderly age groups than among dogs owned by people under 40 years of age (20%).
The owners of 31% of the dogs classified as obese considered their dogs to be
normal, not obese."

Study of obesity in dogs visiting
veterinary practices in the United Kingdom. Edney, A.T.B., Smith, P.M.
Veterinary Record, 118:391–396 (1986). Quote: "A total of 8268 dogs were
surveyed in 11 veterinary practices in the United Kingdom during a period of six
months in 1983. The primary purpose of the survey was to assess the level of
obesity on a five point scale with properly identified criteria. Information on
the clinical condition of each dog was also recorded as well as proportions of
food types fed, particulars of breed, sex, age, sexual status and the dog's
name. Results showed that 21.4 per cent of dogs in the survey were judged to be
obese and 2.9 per cent gross; 1.9 per cent were judged as thin, 13.5 per cent
lean and 60.3 per cent were optimum. Labradors were found to be the most likely
breed to become obese. Neutered females were about twice as likely to be obese
as entire females. The same trend was evident with neutered males. Circulatory
problems were associated with dogs over 10 years old and those which were gross,
rather than obese. A similar trend was discernable with articular/locomotor
problems. Skin and reproductive problems showed little relationship with age or
obesity. Neoplasia was much more prevalent in dogs over 10 years old but had
little relationship with either sexual status or obesity rating. There was a
high rate of usage of prepared food for all categories. The amount of fresh food
fed decreased rapidly as the proportion of canned food increased, but the obese
and non-obese dogs showed very little difference in the type of food fed."

Body Condition and Energy Intakes of Dogs in a Referral
Teaching Hospital. David S. Kronfeld, Susan Donoghue, Lawrence T. Glickman.
J.Nutrition. Nov. 1991;121(11):S157-S158. Quote: "Our aim was to assess body
condition in dogs presenting to a veterinary hospital and compare that to dogs
in the same hospital receiving nutrition support. ... The data suggest that body
condition scores from a population of dogs presenting to a large referral teach
ing hospital vary with breed and age. These differences should be considered
when assessing nutritional status of patients and when prescribing energy
intakes for sick dogs."

Effect of age and body weight on neurohumoral variables in healthy
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Eriksson A.S., Järvinen A.-K., Eklund
K.K., Vuolteenaho O.J., Toivari M.H., Nieminen M.S. Am.J.Vet.Res. 2001
Nov,62(11):1818-1824. Quote: "Objective: To evaluate the effect of age
and body weight on several neurohumoral variables that are commonly altered in
heart failure in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Animals: 17
healthy privately owned Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, 10
males and 7 females, ranging in age from 0.4 to 9.7 years, and ranging in body
weight from 6.6 to 12.2 kg. Procedure: The clinical condition of the dogs was
evaluated by physical examination, thoracic radiography, and echocardiography.
Plasma nitrate and nitrite (P-NN), N-terminal atrial natriuretic and brain
natriuretic peptides (NT-ANP and BNP, respectively), endothelin (ET-1), urine
cyclic guanosine monophosphate (UcGMP), and urine nitrate and nitrite (U-NN)
concentrations were analyzed. Results: Plasma concentrations of NT-ANP and P-NN
increased significantly with age, but plasma NT-ANP and P-NN also correlated
significantly, irrespective of age. A modest increase of left atrial size did
not explain the increase of NT-ANP and P-NN with age. Concentration of ET-1
correlated positively with heart rate; heart rate did not change with age.
Weight had a negative impact on NT-ANP, P-NN, and U-cGMP concentrations and left
atrial relative size. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Age-matched controls
are essential for evaluation of NT-ANP and PNN concentrations and left atrial
size. Weight may alter reference values of plasma NT-ANP, P-NN, and urine cGMP
concentrations. Natriuretic peptides can be used as further evidence that heart
failure exists. The increased plasma concentrations of NT-ANP (but not BNP) and
P-NN with aging reflect neurohumoral physiologic changes that must be
distinguished from pathologic changes in patients with heart failure."

Relations Between the Domestic Dogs’ Well-Being and Life Expectancy.
Lippert, G., & Sapy, B. Prince Laurent Foundation Price, 2003. Quote: "Study of
the influence of food served to the dog on the average age of death: We took
into consideration three categories of food: (1) Home made; (2) Mixture (A mix
of home made and industrial food); (3) Industrial (Retail sold dog food). The
difference between the 2 extremes amounts to more than 32 months (approximately
3 years). This difference is important (F Value: 6.67; Pr>F: 0017). Food is
consequently of great importance for the life expectancy of the dog. We can
consider that home made food is a protection factor for the domestic dog."

Prevalence of obesity in dogs examined by Australian
veterinary practices and the risk factors involved. P. D. McGreevy, P. C.
Thomson, C. Pride, A. Fawcett, T. Grassi, B. Jones. Vet.Rec. May 2005. Quote: "A
study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of obesity in dogs examined by
veterinary practices across Australia, and to determine the risk factors
involved; 1700 practices were asked to complete a veterinarian opinion survey,
and of the 428 practices that responded, 178 were selected to complete an RSPCA
Australia Pet Obesity Questionnaire, together with additional practices selected
by Australian State and Territory RSPCA societies. This questionnaire was sent
to a total of 209 practices which were asked to record details of eligible dogs,
and the reason why they had been examined during the previous month. Fifty-two
(24·9 per cent) of the practices responded and provided data on 2661 dogs, of
which 892 (33·5 per cent) were overweight and 201 (7·6 per cent) were obese. A
further 112 dogs (4·2 per cent) were classified as thin or very thin, but these
were excluded from subsequent analyses. Of the remaining 2549 dogs,
approximately half were female and 1905 (74·7 per cent) were neutered. The dogs’
weight category was influenced by several factors. Breed influenced the
importance of sex and neutering as risk factors. The prevalence of overweight
and obese dogs combined was 41 per cent; the prevalence increased with age up to
about 10 years old, and then declined. Rural and semirural dogs were more at
risk of obesity than urban and suburban dogs. ... Breeds of dog with a high risk
of becoming obese include cocker spaniels, labrador retrievers, collies (Mason
1970), long-haired dachshunds, Shetland sheepdogs, Cairn terriers, bassett
hounds, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and beagles."

Prevalence and risk factors for obesity in adult dogs from private US
veterinary practices. Lund EM, Armstrong PJ, Kirk CA, Klausner JS.
Intern J Appl Res Vet Med. 2006;4(2):177-186. Quote: "Using a
cross-sectional study design, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in
dogs over 1 year of age seen by US veterinarians during 1995 was determined.
Risk factors for overweight and obesity were also determined from the
following variables: age, breed, gender, body condition score, food type,
reported concurrent disease, and geographic region. Thirty-four percent of
adult dogs (n = 21,754) were overweight or obese. From multivariate
analyses, overweight dogs were more likely to be older, of certain breeds
(Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Dalmatian, Dachshund, Rottweiler,
Golden Retriever, Shetland Sheepdog, Mixed-breed), neutered, and to consume
a semi-moist food as their major diet source. In addition, overweight adult
dogs were most likely to reside in the Pacific, South Central, East North
Central, or Northeast regions of the United States and be diagnosed with
hyperadrenocorticism, ruptured cruciate ligament, hypothyroidism, lower
urinary tract disease, or oral disease. Obese dogs were more likely to be
older, of certain breeds (Shetland Sheepdog, Dachshund, and Golden
Retriever), neutered, and to consume "other" foods (meat or other food
products, commercial treats, or table scraps), homemade, or canned foods as
their major diet source. Also, obese adult dogs were more likely to live in
the Pacific or Northeast region of the United States and be diagnosed with
hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, ruptured cruciate ligament,
or neoplasia. Practitioners can use these data to counsel dog owners on
obesity prevention, especially owners of dogs with ≥1 risk factors for
overweight/obesity, and to strongly advocate for the maintenance of canine
patients at an ideal body condition."

Aflatoxicosis in dogs and dealing with suspected contaminated commercial foods.
Katherine A. Stenske, Joanne R. Smith, Shelley J. Newman, Leslie B. Newman,
Claudia A. Kirk. JAVMA June 2006;228(11):1686-1691. Quote: "Despite protective
measures and protocols to ensure safety of food components and accuracy of
recipe preparation, food contamination and misformulation accidents have
resulted in morbidity and fatalities of animals. ... An outbreak of
aflatoxicosis was reported in at least 100 dogs consuming a commercial food
manufactured [by Diamond pet food] in the southeastern United States. Of the
dogs examined at our university facility, 8 were confirmed with aflatoxicosis
and served to illustrate the variability in clinical signs of acute
aflatoxicosis as well as to highlight the appropriate steps for appropriate
notification of the manufacturer and regulatory agencies, documentation for each
animal, and confirmation of the involved toxin."

The Growing Problem of Obesity in Dogs and Cats.
Alexander J. German. J. of Nutrition. July 2006;136(7):1940S-1946S. Quote:
"Obesity is defined as an accumulation of excessive amounts of adipose tissue in
the body, and is the most common nutritional disorder in companion animals.
Obesity is usually the result of either excessive dietary intake or inadequate
energy utilization, which causes a state of positive energy balance. Numerous
factors may predispose an individual to obesity including genetics, the amount
of physical activity, and the energy content of the diet. The main medical
concern of obesity relates to the many disease associations that accompany the
adiposity. Numerous studies demonstrated that obesity can have detrimental
effects on the health and longevity of dogs and cats. ... The effect of genetics
is illustrated by recognized breed associations in both dogs (e.g., Labrador
Retriever, Cairn Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,
Scottish Terrier, Cocker Spaniel) and cats (e.g., Domestic Shorthair). ... The
problems to which obese companion animals may be predisposed include orthopedic
disease, diabetes mellitus, abnormalities in circulating lipid profiles,
cardiorespiratory disease, urinary disorders, reproductive disorders, neoplasia
(mammary tumors, transitional cell carcinoma), dermatological diseases, and
anesthetic complications. The main therapeutic options for obesity in companion
animals include dietary management and increasing physical activity. Although no
pharmaceutical compounds are yet licensed for weight loss in dogs and cats, it
is envisaged that such agents will be available in the future. Dietary therapy
forms the cornerstone of weight management in dogs and cats, but increasing
exercise and behavioral management form useful adjuncts. There is a need to
increase the awareness of companion animal obesity as a serious medical concern
within the veterinary profession."

Evaluation of cats fed vegetarian diets and attitudes of their caregivers.
Lorelei A. Wakefield, Frances S. Shofer, Kathryn E. Michel. J.Am.Vety.Med.Assn.
July 2006;229(1):70-73. Quote: "Objective: To determine motivation and feeding
practices of people who feed their cats vegetarian diets as well as taurine and
cobalamin status of cats consuming vegetarian diets. Design: Cross-sectional
study. Animals: 34 cats that had been exclusively fed a commercial or homemade
vegetarian diet and 52 cats that had been fed a conventional diet for ≥ 1 year.
Procedures: Participants were recruited through a Web site and from attendees of
a national animal welfare conference. Caregivers of cats in both groups answered
a telephone questionnaire regarding feeding practices for their cats. Blood was
obtained from a subset of cats that had been fed vegetarian diets. Blood and
plasma taurine and serum cobalamin concentrations were measured. Results: People
who fed vegetarian diets to their cats did so largely for ethical considerations
and were more likely than people who fed conventional diets to believe that
there are health benefits associated with a vegetarian diet and that
conventional commercial cat foods are unwholesome. Both groups were aware of the
potential health problems that could arise from improperly formulated vegetarian
diets. All cats evaluated had serum cobalamin concentrations within reference
range, and 14 of 17 had blood taurine concentrations within reference range.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Vegetarian diets are fed to cats
primarily for ethical considerations. Results of this study should aid
practitioners in communicating with and providing advice to such clients."

Evolutionary Nutrition for the Dog.
Sarah Godfrey, David Ruish. Going to the Dogs Inc. 2006. Quote: "Since cats and
dogs are carnivores, we can conclude, in this case, that the more
processed/cooked/rendered the food is, the less valuable it is, as is all
naturally occurring food."

Obesity Management in Dogs. Sherry Lynn Sanderson. NAVC Clinician's
Brief. April 2007:27-33. Quote: "Certain breeds of dogs are predisposed to
obesity, including Labrador retriever, dachshund, sheltie, cocker spaniel,
beagle, basset hound, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and cairn
terrier dogs. The incidence of obesity in dogs increases after 2 years of age
and plateaus at about 6 to 8 years of age. Obesity is more common in females
than males."

Determining the optimal age for gonadectomy of dogs and cats.
Margaret V. Root Kustritz. JAVMA; 12/1/07; Vol. 231(11):1665-1675. Quote:
"Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder of dogs and cats, with a
reported incidence of 2.8% among the entire dog population. It is a
multifactorial problem. Risk factors include breed, with an increased incidence
of obesity in ...Cavalier King Charles Spaniels... ."

Complications of Overnutrition in Companion Animals. Alexander
James German. NAVA Clinician's Brief. March 2008. Quote: "Breed associations
include the retriever breeds (Labrador, golden retriever), Cairn terrier,
cavalier King Charles spaniel, and cocker spaniel for dogs;
domestic shorthair cats are also overrepresented. Neutering is an important risk
factor because it may lead to behavioral changes that result in increased food
intake and decreased activity (ie, overnutrition). "

ELISA testing for common food antigens in four dry dog foods used in dietary
elimination trials. D. M. Raditic, R. L. Remillard and K. C. Tater.
J.Anim.Physiology & Anim.Nutrition. Feb 2011;95(1):90-97. Quote: "This study
evaluated four over the counter venison dry dog foods available from one on-line
retail vendor for potential contamination with common known food allergens: soy,
poultry or beef. An amplified, double sandwich type enzyme linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA) test of soy, poultry and beef proteins were performed by an
independent accredited food laboratory. The ELISA test for poultry protein was
found to be unreliable when testing in dry dog foods because false negatives
occurred. ELISA testing of control diets for both soy and beef proteins
performed as expected and could be useful in antigen testing in dry dog foods.
Three of the four over the counter (OTC) venison canine dry foods with no soy
products named in the ingredient list were ELISA positive for soy; additionally
one OTC diet tested positive for beef protein with no beef products listed as an
ingredient list. One OTC venison diet was not found to be positive for soy,
poultry or beef proteins. However, none of the four OTC venison diets could be
considered suitable for a diagnostic elimination trial as they all contained
common pet food proteins, some of which were readily identifiable on the label
and some that were only detected by ELISA. Therefore, if the four OTC venison
products selected in this study are representative of OTC products in general,
then the use of OTC venison dry dog foods should not be used during elimination
trials in suspected food allergy patients."

Oxidative Stress in Dog with Heart Failure: The Role of Dietary Fatty Acids and
Antioxidants. Emmanuelle Sagols and Nathalie Priymenko. Vet.Med.Int'l.
Apr. 2011;2011:180206. Quote: "In dogs with heart failure, cell oxygenation and
cellular metabolism do not work properly, leading to the production of a large
amount of free radicals. In the organism, these free radicals are responsible of
major cellular damages: this is oxidative stress. However, a suitable food
intake plays an important role in limiting this phenomenon: on the one hand, the
presence of essential fatty acids in the composition of membranes decreases
sensitivity of cells to free radicals and constitutes a first protection against
the oxidative stress; on the other hand, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, and
polyphenols are antioxidant molecules which can help cells to neutralize these
free radicals."

Pet food recalls and pet food contaminants in small
animals. Bischoff K, Rumbeiha WK. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. March
2012;42(2):237-50. Quote: "There were 11 major pet food recalls in the United
States between 1996 and 2010 that were due to chemical contaminants or
misformulations: 3 aflatoxin, 3 excess vitamin D3, 1 excess methionine, 3
inadequate thiamine, and 1 adulteration with melamine and related compounds and
an additional 2 warnings concerning a Fanconilike renal syndrome in dogs after
ingesting large amounts of chicken jerky treat products. This article describes
clinical findings and treatment of animals exposed to the most common pet food
contaminants."

Long-term follow-up
after weight management in obese dogs: The role of diet in preventing regain.
A.J. German, S.L. Holden, P.J. Morris, V. Biourge. Vet.J.; April 2012;
192(1):65-70. Quote: "Regain after weight loss is widely reported in humans, but
there is little information on this phenomenon in dogs. The current study aim
was to determine long-term success of a weight loss regime and those factors
linked with regain. Thirty-three obese dogs, that had successfully lost weight,
were included, all enrolled between December 2004 and May 2009. After weight
loss, dogs were switched to a maintenance regime and follow-up weight checks
were performed periodically. A review of cases that had completed their weight
programme was held during the summer of 2010 and a follow-up check was
subsequently conducted, where dogs were reweighed and information was collected
on current feeding practices. Median duration of follow-up was 640 days
(119–1828 days). Fourteen dogs (42%) maintained weight, 3 (9%) lost >5%
additional weight, and 16 (48%) gained >5% weight. Dogs fed a purpose-formulated
weight loss diet regained less weight than those switched onto a standard
maintenance diet (P = 0.0016). Energy intake at the time of follow-up was
significantly higher in those dogs fed a standard maintenance diet, compared
with those that had remained on a purpose-formulated weight loss diet (P =
0.017). These results suggest that weight regain occurs in about half of dogs
after successful weight loss. Long-term use of a purpose-formulated weight
management diet can significantly limit regain in the follow-up period, likely
by limiting food intake."

Quality of life is reduced in obese dogs but improves after successful weight
loss. A.J. German, S.L. Holden, M.L. Wiseman-Orr, J. Reid, A.M. Nolan,
V. Biourge, P.J. Morris, E.M. Scott. Vet.J. June 2012;192:428-434. Quote: "The
current study aim was to use a questionnaire to determine health-related quality
of life (HRQOL) both before and after weight loss, in obese client-owned dogs.
Fifty obese dogs were included, and represented a variety of breeds and genders.
Prior to weight loss, owners were asked to complete a validated standardised
questionnaire to determine HRQOL. Thirty of the dogs successfully completed
their weight loss programme and reached target, and owners then completed a
follow-up questionnaire. The completed questionnaire responses were transformed
to scores corresponding to each of four factors (vitality, emotional
disturbance, anxiety and pain), and scored on a scale of 0–6. Changes in the
scores were used to explore the sensitivity of the questionnaire, and scores
were correlated with responses to direct questions about quality of life and
pain, as well as weight loss. Dogs that failed to complete their weight loss
programme had lower vitality and higher emotional disturbance scores than those
successfully losing weight (P = 0.03 for both). In the 30 dogs that completed,
weight loss led to an increased vitality score (P < 0.001), and decreased scores
for both emotional disturbance (P < 0.001) and pain (P < 0.001). However, there
was no change in anxiety (P = 0.09). The change in vitality score was positively
associated with percentage weight loss (rP = 0.43, P = 0.02) and percentage body
fat loss (rP = 0.39, P = 0.03). These results indicate demonstrable improvement
in HRQOL for obese dogs that successfully lose weight."

Effects of Surgical Sterilization on Canine and Feline
Health and on Society. MV Root Kustritz. Reprod Dom Anim 47 (Suppl. 4),
214–222; Aug. 2012. Quote: "Surgical sterilization of dogs and cats is a
well-accepted measure for population control in some countries, but is
considered unethical as an elective surgery in other countries. This is a review
of what is known regarding positive and negative effects of gonadectomy surgery
on individual animals and on societal management of unowned dog and cat
populations. ... Metabolic Disorders: Obesity: In retrospective studies, up to
2.8% of the canine population has been demonstrated to be obese, with up to 50%
of gonadectomized dogs and cats designated as obese (Mason 1970; David and
Rajendran 1980). Increase in indiscrimate appetite was reported in spayed
bitches in one study but in another study of spayed and castrated dogs, no
change in food intake or depth of back fat was reported by 15 months of age
(O’Farrell and Peachey 1990; Salmeri et al. 1991a). Risk factors other than
gonadectomy include housing of the animal; increasing age; ownership by an
overweight person or a person over 40 years of age; and breed, with the beagle,
cairn terrier, cavalier King Charles spaniel, cocker spaniel,
dachshund and Labrador retriever among those breeds at greatest risk (Mason
1970; Edney and Smith 1986; Crane 1991; Sloth 1992; Colliard et al. 2006)."

Are
your pet food labels accurate?Laura K. Allred. August 2012. Petfoodindustry.com Quote: "The need for
increased attention to identifying animal proteins and grains was highlighted in
a recent survey of 21 commercial dog foods performed by our laboratory in
Florida. Ten of the foods were purchased in local grocery stores and 11 were
purchased in local specialty pet stores. Five of the foods were chosen
specifically because they claimed to be gluten-free, while the remainder was an
equal mix of large and small brands. All the products were tested for the
presence of beef, pork, poultry, turkey, sheep, horse and deer content using the
US Department of Agriculture protocol, which is a qualitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method that can detect both muscle and organ tissue
from the designated species. The samples were also tested for gluten using a
quantitative ELISA. The test results were then compared to the ingredient label
on the package. We found eight foods that tested positive for an animal protein
not listed on the ingredient label: two
instances of undeclared beef/sheep, five
of pork and one of deer. Conversely, in two instances, foods claiming to contain
venison tested negative for deer content but positive for beef, sheep or pork.
Two foods used a general term, meat and bone meal, rather than listing a
specific protein source. Both of these foods tested positive only for pork
content, but these were not considered instances of mislabeling. Twelve of the
21 foods tested listed no gluten source (wheat, rye, barley or related grains)
in their ingredient list, and five were specifically labeled as gluten-free or
grain-free. Five of the 12 foods with no listed gluten source, including two of
those foods promoted as gluten- or grain-free, tested positive for gluten at
greater than 80 ppm. This level is far above FDA’s proposed limit of 20 ppm for
gluten-free labeling in human foods. Overall, there were 12 instances of
mislabeling in 10 of the dog foods tested; two foods had more than one labeling
issue."

The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a
starch-rich diet. Erik Axelsson, Abhirami Ratnakumar, Maja-Louise .
Khurram Maqbool, Matthew T. Webster, Michele Perloski, Olof Liberg, Jon M.
Arnemo, Åke Hedhammar, Kerstin Lindblad-Toh. Nature. March 2013;495:360-364.
Quote: "The domestication of dogs was an important episode in the
development of human civilization. The precise timing and location of this
event is debated1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and little is known about the genetic changes
that accompanied the transformation of ancient wolves into domestic dogs.
Here we conduct whole-genome resequencing of dogs and wolves to identify 3.8
million genetic variants used to identify 36 genomic regions that probably
represent targets for selection during dog domestication. Nineteen of these
regions contain genes important in brain function, eight of which belong to
nervous system development pathways and potentially underlie behavioural
changes central to dog domestication6. Ten genes with key roles in starch
digestion and fat metabolism also show signals of selection. We identify
candidate mutations in key genes and provide functional support for an
increased starch digestion in dogs relative to wolves. Our results indicate
that novel adaptations allowing the early ancestors of modern dogs to thrive
on a diet rich in starch, relative to the carnivorous diet of wolves,
constituted a crucial step in the early domestication of dogs."

Nutritional Sustainability of Pet Foods. Kelly S. Swanson, Rebecca A.
Carter, Tracy P. Yount, Jan Aretz, and Preston R. Buff. Advances in Nutrition.
March 2013;4:141-150. Quote: "Often based on consumer demand rather than
nutritional requirements, many commercial pet foods are formulated to provide
nutrients in excess of current minimum recommendations, use ingredients that
compete directly with the human food system, or are overconsumed by pets,
resulting in food wastage and obesity. Pet food professionals have the
opportunity to address these challenges and influence the sustainability of pet
ownership through product design, manufacturing processes, public education, and
policy change. A coordinated effort across the industry that includes ingredient
buyers, formulators, and nutritionists may result in a more sustainable pet food
system."

Evaluation of fiber concentration in dry and canned commercial diets
formulated for adult maintenance or all life stages of dogs by use of crude
fiber and total dietary fiber methods. Amy K. Farcas, Jennifer A. Larsen,
Andrea J. Fascetti. J.Amer.Vety.Med.Assn. April 2013;242(7):936-940. Quote:
"Objective: To assess differences among reported maximum crude fiber (CF),
measured CF, and measured total dietary fiber (TDF) concentrations, and
determine fiber composition in dry and canned nontherapeutic diets formulated
for adult maintenance or all life stages of dogs. Design: Prospective
cross-sectional study. Sample: Dry (n = 20) and canned (20) nontherapeutic
canine diets. Procedures: Reported maximum CF concentrations were obtained from
product labels. Concentrations of CF and TDF were measured in samples of the
diets for comparison. For each diet, percentages of TDF represented by insoluble
dietary fiber (IDF) and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) were determined. Results:
For dry or canned diets, the median reported maximum CF concentration was
significantly greater than the median measured value. Measured CF concentration
was significantly lower than measured TDF concentration for all diets. Median
percentage of TDF (dry-matter basis) in dry and canned diets was 10.3% and 6.5%,
respectively (overall range, 3.9% to 25.8%). Fiber composition in dry and canned
diets differed; median percentage of TDF provided by IDF (dry-matter basis) was
83.4% in dry diets and 63.6% in canned diets. Conclusions and Clinical
Relevance: Among the evaluated diets, measured CF concentration underrepresented
measured TDF concentration. Diets provided a wide range of TDF concentration,
and proportions of IDF and SDF were variable. In the absence of information
regarding TDF concentration, neither reported maximum nor measured CF
concentration appears to be a particularly reliable indicator of fiber
concentration and composition of a given canine diet."

Evaluation of recipes of home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs.
Jonathan Stockman, Andrea J. Fascetti, Philip H. Kass, Jennifer A. Larsen. JAVMA
June 2013; 242(11):1500-1505. Quote: "Two hundred recipes were obtained from 34
sources (133 recipes were obtained from 2 veterinary textbooks and 9 pet care
books for owners [four of these sources were authored by board certified
veterinary nutritionists], and 67 recipes were obtained from 23 websites). Of
these, 129 (64.5%) were written by veterinarians, whereas the remaining 71
(35.5%) were written by nonveterinarians. ... Only 3 recipes provided all
essential nutrients in concentrations meeting or exceeding the NRC RA, and
another 2 recipes provided all essential nutrients in concentrations meeting or
exceeding the NRC MR; all 5 of these recipes were written by veterinarians. Nine
recipes provided all essential nutrients in concentrations exceeding the AAFCO
nutrient profile minimums for adult dogs; 4 of these also met or exceeded the
NRC RA or NRC MR. Of these 9 recipes, 8 were written by veterinarians. Overall,
most (190/200 [95%]) recipes resulted in at least 1 essential nutrient at
concentrations that did not meet NRC or AAFCO guidelines, and many (167 [83.5%])
recipes had multiple deficiencies. ... Most of the veterinarian-written recipes
had at least 1 nutrient deficiency. ... Formulation of recipes for home-prepared
diets requires expert input to minimize the risk of problems, and we recommend
that recipes for home-prepared diets for dogs be obtained from or evaluated by
board-certified veterinary nutritionists or veterinarians with advanced training
in nutrition who are experienced and able to understand and address these
concerns."

Behavioural Factors in Canine Obesity. Sarah Heath. WSAVA 2013
Congress. Quote: "Influencing Factors: It is known that a number of canine
breeds are predisposed to develop obesity e.g., Labrador retriever, Cairn
terrier, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Scottish terrier,
cocker spaniel. Neutering is also an important risk factor by causing
behavioural changes, which can lead both to an increased food intake and
decreased activity. Gender itself is also a predisposing factor in some canine
studies, with females over-represented. Other recognised associations in dogs
include indoor lifestyle, inactivity, and middle age. Dietary factors can also
predispose to obesity with both the number of meals and snacks fed and the
feeding of table scraps being key. Behavioural factors also play a part in the
development of obesity."

Identification of undeclared sources of animal origin in canine dry foods used
in dietary elimination trials. R. Ricci, A. Granato, M. Vascellari, M.
Boscarato, C. Palagiano, I. Andrighetto, M. Diez, F. Mutinelli. J.Anim.
Physiology & Anim. Nutrition. May 2013;97(s1):32-38. Quote: "Failure to respond
to commercial limited antigen diets can occur in dogs kept on a dietary trial
for the diagnosis of adverse food reaction (AFR). The aim of this study was to
assess twelve canine dry limited antigen diets (eleven novel protein diets and
one hydrolysed diet) for potential contamination by ingredients of animal origin
not mentioned on the label. The validity of the two methods adopted for the
detection of such food antigens was also evaluated. Each dietary product was
analysed by microscopy analysis using the official method described in
Commission Regulation EC 152/2009 with the aim of identifying bone fragments of
different zoological classes (mammalian, avian and fish) and by polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) for the identification of DNA of animal origin. Discrepancies
between the results obtained by PCR and/or microscopy analysis and the
ingredients listed on pet food packages were found. Only in two pet foods did
the results of both analyses match the ingredients listed on the label. In the
remaining ten samples, microscopy detected bone fragments from one or two
unpredicted zoological classes, revealing avian fragments in six of ten samples
followed by those of fish in five of ten and mammalian fragments in four of ten.
In two samples, microscopy analysis identified a contamination that would have
otherwise passed unobserved if only PCR had been used. However, PCR confirmed
the presence of all the zoological classes detected by microscopy and also
identified the DNA of an additional unexpected zoological class in two samples.
Dogs might fail to respond to commercial limited antigen diets because such
diets are contaminated with potential allergens. Both PCR and microscopy
analysis are required to guarantee the absence of undeclared animal sources in
pet foods. Before ruling out AFR, a novel protein home-made diet should be
considered if the dog is unresponsive to a commercial regimen."

Obesity in show dogs. R. J. Corbee. J.Anim.
Physiology & Anim. Nutrition. Oct. 2013;97(5):904-910. Quote: "Obesity is an important disease
with a growing incidence. Because obesity is related to several other diseases,
and decreases life span, it is important to identify the population at risk.
Several risk factors for obesity have been described in the literature. A higher
incidence of obesity in certain breeds is often suggested. The aim of this study
was to determine whether obesity occurs more often in certain breeds. The second
aim was to relate the increased prevalence of obesity in certain breeds to the
official standards of that breed. To this end, we investigated 1379 dogs of 128
different breeds [including 18 cavalier King Charles spaniels]
by determining their body condition score (BCS). Overall, 18.6% of the show dogs
had a BCS >5, and 1.1% of the show dogs had a BCS>7. There were significant
differences between breeds, which could be correlated to the breed standards. It
warrants firm discussions with breeders and judges in order to come to different
interpretations of the standards to prevent overweight conditions from being the
standard of beauty. [among the 18 CKCSs, the average BCS was
4.67 and the BCS range varied from 3 to 6.]

Associations between obesity and physical activity in dogs: a preliminary
investigation. R. Morrison, V. Penpraze, A. Beber, J. J. Reilly, P. S. Yam.
J.Sm.Anim.Pract. Nov. 2013;54(11):570–574. Quote: "OBJECTIVES: To assess whether obesity has
any association with objectively measured physical activity levels in dogs.
METHODS: Thirty-nine dogs wore Actigraph GT3X accelerometers (Actigraph) for 7
consecutive days. Each dog was classified as ideal weight, overweight or obese
using the 5-point body condition scoring system. Total volume of physical
activity and time spent in sedentary behaviour, light-moderate intensity
physical activity and vigorous intensity physical activity were compared between
body condition categories. RESULTS: Valid accelerometry data were returned for
35 of 39 dogs recruited. Eighteen dogs were classed as ideal weight, 9 as
overweight and the remaining 8 as obese. All dogs spent a significant proportion
of the day sedentary and obese dogs spent significantly less time in vigorous
intensity physical activity than ideal weight dogs (7 ±3 minute/day versus 21
±15 minute/day, P=0·01). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Obesity is associated with lower
vigorous intensity physical activity in dogs, as is also thought to occur in
humans. These preliminary findings will help inform a future, larger study and
may also improve our understanding of the associations between obesity and
physical activity in dogs."

Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat–based diets for dogs
and cats. Lisa M. Freeman, Marjorie L. Chandler, Beth A. Hamper, Lisa
P. Weeth. JAVMA Dec. 2013;43(11):1549-1558. Quote: "Although commercial RMBDs
[raw meat based diets] and ingredients are covered by FDA regulations and can be
recalled if contamination or other problems are detected,the feeding of
contaminated home-prepared RMBDs that include foods intended for human
consumption may go undetected because foodborne illnesses in dogs and cats are
rarely tracked unless associated with human disease. There are no data on the
number of dogs and cats fed human foods that have been recalled, nor the number
of dogs and cats that have become ill after eating a contaminated human food.
Although data are available on the number of recalls, the lack of data on
recalls because of contamination of commercial and home-prepared RMBDs does not
mean that such diets are safe. ... The potential risk for human disease has been
clearly documented. However, further research is needed to quantify the actual
risk and prevalence of disease associated with feeding RMBDs to pet dogs and
cats. ... Additional studies are needed to provide information that will allow a
better understanding of the long-term health effects of RMBDs for dogs and cats.
In the absence of reported studies, an animal eating a home-prepared diet (raw
or cooked) should undergo an annual physical examination and health screening,
which should include serum biochemical analysis (with thyroxine concentrations),
hematologic analysis, and urinalysis. ... Owners that elect to feed a commercial
or home-prepared RMBD should be counseled on the risks to themselves and their
pets as a result of this feeding strategy, and the conversation should be
documented in the medical record."

Genome Sequencing Highlights the Dynamic Early History of Dogs.
Adam H. Freedman, Ilan Gronau, Rena M. Schweizer, Diego Ortega-Del Vecchyo,
Eunjung Han, Pedro M. Silva, Marco Galaverni, Zhenxin Fan, Peter Marx, Belen
Lorente-Galdos, Holly Beale, Oscar Ramirez, Farhad Hormozdiari, Can Alkan,
Carles Vilà, Kevin Squire, Eli Geffen, Josip Kusak, Adam R. Boyko, Heidi G.
Parker, Clarence Lee, Vasisht Tadigotla, Adam Siepel, Carlos D. Bustamante,
Timothy T. Harkins, Stanley F. Nelson, Elaine A. Ostrander, Tomas
Marques-Bonet, Robert K. Wayne. PLOS Genetics. Jan. 2014;10(1):e1004016.
Quote:"To identify genetic changes underlying dog domestication and
reconstruct their early evolutionary history, we generated high-quality
genome sequences from three gray wolves, one from each of the three putative
centers of dog domestication, two basal dog lineages (Basenji and Dingo) and
a golden jackal as an outgroup. Analysis of these sequences supports a
demographic model in which dogs and wolves diverged through a dynamic
process involving population bottlenecks in both lineages and
post-divergence gene flow. In dogs, the domestication bottleneck involved at
least a 16-fold reduction in population size, a much more severe bottleneck
than estimated previously. A sharp bottleneck in wolves occurred soon after
their divergence from dogs, implying that the pool of diversity from which
dogs arose was substantially larger than represented by modern wolf
populations. We narrow the plausible range for the date of initial dog
domestication to an interval spanning 11–16 thousand years ago, predating
the rise of agriculture. In light of this finding, we expand upon previous
work regarding the increase in copy number of the amylase gene (AMY2B) in
dogs, which is believed to have aided digestion of starch in agricultural
refuse. We find standing variation for amylase copy number variation in
wolves and little or no copy number increase in the Dingo and Husky
lineages. In conjunction with the estimated timing of dog origins, these
results provide additional support to archaeological finds, suggesting the
earliest dogs arose alongside hunter-gathers rather than agriculturists.
Regarding the geographic origin of dogs, we find that, surprisingly, none of
the extant wolf lineages from putative domestication centers is more closely
related to dogs, and, instead, the sampled wolves form a sister monophyletic
clade. This result, in combination with dog-wolf admixture during the
process of domestication, suggests that a re-evaluation of past hypotheses
regarding dog origins is necessary."

New Dog Genome Research Nixes Evolutionary Paradigm. Jeffrey
Tomkins. Acts & Facts. May 2014;43(5):9. Quote: "Evolutionists believe that
when humans first domesticated wolves these canines were hunters and
therefore primarily meat eaters. Then humans and dogs, over time, became
more dependent on the high-starch foods of agriculture—providing a type of
“selective pressure” on the dog genome. One recent study seemed to support
the idea that post-domestication selection altered the dog genome.
Researchers concluded that, compared to wolves, a variety of regions in the
dog genome showed evidence of changes in genes associated with the digestion
of carbohydrates (starches). With some digestive enzymes, such as amylases
that encode enzymes that break down starch, the number of copies of those
genes can vary in the dog genome. In particular, researchers in this study
reported that modern dogs, which would benefit from more amylase genes
because of their high-starch diet, had more copies of them in their genome
compared to wolves. However, this initial study was soon debunked by
additional, more comprehensive research that examined a much greater number
of wolf and wild dog genomes. The researchers discovered that the copy
number of amylase genes was actually not fixed or stable across diverse dog,
wolf, and wild dog genomes—but instead varied widely. In fact, as the data
set for dog genomes has increased, it is now apparent that no consistent
pattern for dietary evolution exists at all. The evolutionary lingo for such
an observation is that the patterns are now called “complex” instead of
showing evidence for selection. Several evolutionists recently published a
review of these two research papers, stating, “These results suggest a more
complex pattern of amylase copy number variation in dogs and wolves that
reflects our long-standing relationship with dogs, but may not have resulted
during early domestication.” The use of the term “complex pattern” means
that no evolutionary trends could be detected for these genes. The concept
of natural selection has once again lost steam as a viable model proving
evolution—even within a single group of interfertile animals. And a recent
supporting argument for it that seemed at first to be backed by hard science
has now fallen in the wake of the genomics revolution."

Investigation of dietary factors with possible associations with canine
degenerative mitral valve disease. J.L. Sauer, L.M. Freeman, J.E. Rush.
J.Vet.Int.Med. July 2014;28(4):1354. Quote: "The pathophysiologic cause of
degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) remains unclear. Although there are
a number of ways in which diet could play a role in DMVD, including the
serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5HT]) pathway, dietary factors related to
the development of DVMD have not been investigated. Therefore, the objective
of this study was to measure dietary amino acids, choline, carnitine,
serotonin, and ergovaline as possible factors that could play a role in the
pathophysiology of DMVD. Thirteen commercially-available diets were selected
for analysis based on a previous study comparing dogs with and without DMVD
and diet histories from clinical cases. Diets were analyzed for
macronutrients; amino acids; ergovaline; the indoleamines, 5HT and
melatonin; choline, and free L-carnitine. There was a wide range in the
concentrations of all analytes in the diets tested. No essential amino acids
were below the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)
minimums. Taurine, although not an essential amino acid for dogs, was below
the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profile for taurine in 9 of 13 diets. Tryptophan
ranged from 0.19-0.59% dry matter (median = 0.28% dry matter). All 13
samples tested had undetectable ergovaline concentrations. One sample tested
positive for 5HT, and melatonin was detected in 8 diets. There also was wide
variation (3-fold and >100-fold difference, respectively) in choline and
free L-carnitine concentrations among diets. Additional research is needed
on the effects of varying dietary intake of tryptophan and other amino
acids, 5HT, choline, and carnitine on cardiac valve metabolism."

Nutrition for Working and Service Dogs. Joseph Wakshlag, Justin
Shmalberg. Vet. Clin. Small Anim. July 2014; 44:719-740. Quote:
"Conformation, genetics, and behavioral drive are the major determinants of
success in canine athletes, although controllable variables, such as
training and nutrition, play an important role. The scope and breadth of
canine athletic events has expanded dramatically in the past 30 years, but
with limited research on performance nutrition. There are considerable data
examining nutritional physiology in endurance dogs and in sprinting dogs;
however, nutritional studies for agility, field trial, and detection are
rare. This article highlights basic nutritional physiology and interventions
for exercise, and reviews newer investigations regarding aging working and
service dogs, and canine detection activities."

Feeding practices of dog breeders in the United States and Canada.
Kevin M. Connolly, Cailin R. Heinze, Lisa M. Freeman. JAVMA. Sept.
2014;245(6):669-676. Quote: "Objective: To determine the proportion of dog
breeders who fed diets meeting the Association of American Feed Control
Officials regulations for nutritional adequacy for reproduction and growth
and to investigate factors that influenced feeding practices of breeders.
Sample: 2,067 dog breeders from the United States and Canada. Procedures: A
self-administered, anonymous, Web-based questionnaire was used to collect
information on breeder demographics and feeding practices during 3 life
stages of dogs: adult maintenance for nonpregnant dogs, gestation-lactation,
and puppy growth. Appropriateness of commercial diets for each life stage
was determined by respondent-reported nutritional adequacy statements on
product labels. Data were also collected regarding breeder criteria for diet
selection and sources of nutrition information. Results: A substantial
number of breeders reported feeding commercial diets not intended for that
life stage during gestation-lactation (126/746 [16.9%]) and puppy growth
(57/652 [8.7%]). Additionally, approximately one-seventh of breeders
reported feeding home-prepared diets for ≥ 1 life stage. Unsubstantiated
health and marketing information influenced diet selection of many breeders.
Veterinarians, although generally viewed as a trusted source of nutrition
information, were consulted by only 823 of 1,669 (49.3%) breeders and were
viewed less favorably by breeders feeding home-prepared diets, compared with
the opinion of breeders feeding commercial diets. Conclusions and Clinical
Relevance: Veterinarians should consider taking a more proactive role in
directing dog breeders and other pet owners toward scientifically
substantiated sources of diet information and in explaining the importance
of current nutritional standards for reproduction and early development of
dogs."

The new age of working dogs. Joseph J. Wakshlag. 2014 Petfood Forum
presentation. Sept. 2014. Quote: "Nutrition research in working dogs has
focused primarily on sprinting Greyhounds and endurance sled dogs. More
recent investigation into other sporting arenas like agility (and like
events), olfactory task oriented dogs (detection dogs and foxhounds) suggest
other areas need to be addressed for optimal performance. Unfortunately in
the past 10 years as performance endeavors have changed and evolved, little
research has been performed examining nutrition and its role in these
athletic endeavors creating a need to dispel myth and mold research findings
into every day practices remains a challenge. ... Dietary protein helps
maintain musculoskeletal integrity and appropriate total protein, albumin
and red blood cell status. The hematocrit and serum albumin tend to decrease
with training and racing which appears to be a result of the overtraining
syndrome in endurance dogs. Adequate protein intake may be helpful in
ameliorating this condition. Studies examining protein consumption and its
role in maintaining red blood cell counts and hematocrit in training sled
dogs have postulated that approximately 24-30% of the metabolizable energy
(60-80g protein/1000 kcals) should come from highly digestible animal based
protein. In sprinting dogs, the picture is similar whereby around 24% of the
ME should come from high quality protein sources with some studies
suggesting that more may be deleterious to performance in sprinting dogs."

Identification of meat species in pet foods using a real-time polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) assay. Tara A. Okuma, Rosalee S. Hellberg.
Food Control. April 2015;50:9-17. Quote: "Product mislabeling, adulteration,
and substitution are increasing concerns in highly processed foods,
including pet foods. Although regulations exist for pet foods, there is
currently a lack of information on the prevalence of pet food mislabeling.
The objective of this study was to perform a market survey of pet foods and
pet treats marketed for domestic canines and felines to identify meat
species present as well as any instances of mislabeling. Fifty-two
commercial products were collected from online and retail sources. DNA was
extracted from each product in duplicate and tested for the presence of
eight meat species (bovine, caprine, ovine, chicken, goose, turkey, porcine,
and equine) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with SYBR Green
and species-specific primers. Of the 52 tested products, 31 were labeled
correctly, 20 were potentially mislabeled, and 1 contained a non-specific
meat ingredient that could not be verified. Chicken was the most common meat
species found in the pet food products (n = 51), and none of the products
tested positive for horsemeat. In three cases of potential mislabeling, one
or two meat species were substituted for other meat species, but major
trends were not observed. While these results suggest the occurrence of pet
food mislabeling, further studies are needed to determine the extent of
mislabeling and identify points in the production chain where mislabeling
occurs."

Association of Obesity with Serum Leptin, Adiponectin, and Serotonin and
Gut Microflora in Beagle Dogs. H.-J. Park, S. E. Lee, H. B. Kim, R.E.
Isaacson, K. W. Seo, K. H. Song. J.Vet.Int.Med. November 2014. Quote:
"Background: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) is involved in
hypothalamic regulation of energy consumption. Also, the gut microbiome can
influence neuronal signaling to the brain through vagal afferent neurons.
Therefore, serotonin concentrations in the central nervous system and the
composition of the microbiota can be related to obesity. Objective: To
examine adipokine, and, serotonin concentrations, and the gut microbiota in
lean dogs and dogs with experimentally induced obesity. Animals: Fourteen
healthy Beagle dogs were used in this study. Methods: Seven Beagle dogs in
the obese group were fed commercial food ad libitum, over a period of 6
months to increase their weight and seven Beagle dogs in lean group were fed
a restricted amount of the same diet to maintain optimal body condition over
a period of 6 months. Peripheral leptin, adiponectin, 5HT, and cerebrospinal
fluid (CSF-5HT) levels were measured by ELISA. Fecal samples were collected
in lean and obese groups 6 months after obesity was induced. Targeted
pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed using a Genome Sequencer
FLX plus system. Results: Leptin concentrations were higher in the obese
group (1.98 ± 1.00) compared to those of the lean group (1.12 ± 0.07, P =
.025). Adiponectin and 5-hydroytryptamine of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF-5HT)
concentrations were higher in the lean group (27.1 ± 7.28) than in the obese
group (14.4 ± 5.40, P = .018). Analysis of the microbiome revealed that the
diversity of the microbial community was lower in the obese group. Microbes
from the phylum Firmicutes (85%) were predominant group in the gut
microbiota of lean dogs. However, bacteria from the phylum Proteobacteria
(76%) were the predominant group in the gut microbiota of dogs in the obese
group. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Decreased 5HT levels in obese
group might increase the risk of obesity because of increased appetite.
Microflora enriched with gram-negative might be related with chronic
inflammation status in obese dogs."

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